County EDC names Iannucci as new President and CEO

David Iannucci addresses holiday open house attendees as the new president and CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. (Photo by Jessica Ricks/The Prince George’s Sentinel)

LARGO — The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) introduced David Iannucci as their new president and CEO at a holiday open house on Dec. 19.

During the holiday open house, which took place at the EDC’s Innovation Station at their office in Largo, local business owners, public officials and current EDC members met and networked together as well as were formally introduced to Iannucci as the new leader of the EDC.

“As Ms. Alsobrooks said in her inaugural address, Prince George’s County is no longer a sleepy suburb, we are no longer on the verge of almost being there,” Iannucci said. “It’s not a matter of next year we might succeed. We have succeeded. We’ve gone from last to first in job growth in the state of Maryland. We’re very proud of that. We’ve come a long way in all the different factors that are important, but we have a ways to go. The work is not done.”

Iannucci comes in as the president and CEO following the departure of Jim Coleman earlier in the month. Coming into the new position, Iannucci brings with him years of experience in economic development at the local and state level.

David Iannucci and Former County Executive Rushern Baker III. (Courtesy Photo)

Previously, Iannucci worked directly alongside former County Executive Rushern Baker III as assistant deputy chief administrative officer under his administration. While he worked with Baker, he oversaw Prince George’s County’s economic development strategy and economic development organizations focusing on business retention, prospect attraction and large development projects.

Having a hand in other economic development roles across the state, Iannucci worked in Baltimore as the Executive Director for the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development.

At the state level, he was the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Additionally, Iannucci has had an extensive legal career.

Due to his extensive experience in economic development with goals of major business retention, the EDC has full confidence that Iannucci is exactly what the organization needs at this time.

“The Board is delighted to bring a seasoned and respected economic development expert like David Iannucci aboard,” said Orlan Johnson, EDC Board of Director’s chair. “David is no stranger to Economic Development, having served at both State and local levels. He understands that economic development is a team sport and joins us here at the EDC has played a part of many impactful teams. We’re proud to have Mr. Iannucci as the newest member of the EDC Team.”

Iannucci said he has many goals going into the new year.

“The most important thing is to build success and becoming number one,” he said. “We need to continue that momentum and support the existing community.”

With major institutions such as the University of Maryland College Park, Bowie State University, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Joint Base Andrews and The National Harbor located right here in the county, Iannucci wants to ensure that strong relationships with them are sustained and support the corporate business structure around those anchor institutions because they are the reason Prince George’s County became number one in the state for job growth.

Another part of his agenda for the EDC for the upcoming year is to work closely with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and her priorities for the county such as revitalizing shopping centers. Alsobrooks has also expressed her support for working with Iannucci going forward.

“I am very excited that David has agreed to take on this critical role and I applaud the Board for selecting a person with his extensive knowledge and experience,” Alsobrooks said in a statement.

“His proven track record in economic development at the state and local levels will be a tremendous asset to our team and our citizens. Prince George’s County is the prime location to do business in the region, and I know David and his team will be able to keep the businesses we have and attract new ones to the county.”

With 241 shopping centers throughout the county, Iannucci said he wants to make sure they are getting adequate attention, especially some of the older ones, to attract businesses.

“I think he will help to take us in a different direction to keep helping us grow as an organization,” said EDC Development Manager Katherine Barber. With all of his experience in economic development, Barber noted that Iannucci is ideal to serve as president and CEO of the EDC.

“I don’t have the luxury, no one in the Economic Development Corporation has the luxury of focusing on one thing at one time,” Iannucci said.

“We have to juggle multiple balls in the air every single day from our startup companies, from supporting our inner beltway businesses, and municipalities. The Economic Development Corporation, before I got here, has done some wonderful work supporting and learning about and outreach to three-quarters of the 27 municipalities that are here now.”